Police at scene of 'shooting and stabbing' near Farnworth

Officers were called to a house in Walkden near Farnworth yesterday evening just before 6.30pm to reports of a man being shot with a gun and stabbed.

Police found a 34-year-old man with a suspected gunshot injury and stab wounds and the man is now in a serious condition after being taken to hospital in an ambulance.

The road is currently cordoned off and anyone wanting to get to their home must be escorted by officers.

There are five police cars, two police vans and a tactical aid unit still at the scene this morning.

A police spokesman said: "An investigation has been launched and additional resources deployed to Walkden after man suffers serious injuries Just before 6.30pm this evening (Saturday 4 November 2023) .

"Police were called to assist colleagues in the ambulance service at a property on Norfolk Street, Walkden. Officers attended and it was established a 34-year-old man had suffered from a suspected gunshot injury and stab wounds.

"He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital."

A neighbour living nearby, said he had seen police arrive last night.

He said: “They came around teatime and they were here for a while.

“There was a lot of commotion as ambulance came, but at that point I didn’t know exactly what had happened.

“Then someone else told me and I thought it was quite scary happening so close to us.”

The force has confirmed there will be an increased police presence in the area following the serious assault.

Superintendent James Ainscough, said: “An increased presence of neighbourhood officers conducting highly visible patrols will be in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance to the local community.

"I would like to reassure the local community, and send a message to those involved, that relentless work is ongoing behind the scenes to bring those responsible to justice.

“You can speak to officers on the ground, to us over the phone on 101, or report online at https://orlo.uk/KILVf/ quoting incident number 2764 of 4/11/2023 and anyone with mobile phone, dashcam or CCTV footage from the area, should submit this to us."

Another neighbour said they had heard loud noises and were scared to go outside.

One lady said: “It was quite loud and there was a lot of shouting going on.

“The police arrived and we just decided to stay indoors just in case.

“I was a little scared because you don’t see this kind of thing here often.”